Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
This easy Kale Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing is my go-to for a quick, healthy lunch. After making it dozens of times, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping kale tender and the dressing perfectly balanced. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Refreshing Guava White Tea Lemonade Recipe for Summer and Hearty Turkey Meatball Soup with Orzo and Spinach.
Why This Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing Is Pure Comfort
- Crisp kale and sweet apple in every bite
- Tangy, creamy lemon tahini dressing
- Easy to make and perfect for meal prep
What You'll Need for Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 bunch kale
- 2 apples
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Maple syrup (optional)
- Optional: Pumpkin seeds
- Optional: Sunflower seeds
- Optional: Dried cranberries
📝 Ingredient Notes
- kale: Remove tough stems and chop leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- apples: Choose a sweet variety like Gala or Fuji for best flavor.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- High-quality chef's knife — Makes prep work a breeze → See on Amazon
- Tahini — Gives the dressing a creamy, nutty flavor → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
- Prepare kale: Remove stems from kale and chop leaves into bite-sized pieces. Wash and dry thoroughly.
- Make dressing: In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add maple syrup for extra sweetness if desired.
- Assemble salad: Chop apples into thin slices or small cubes. Toss kale and apples with dressing. Add optional toppings and serve immediately.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
- Common mistake and fix: Don't over-dress the salad. Start with half the dressing and add more to taste. Too much dressing can make the kale soggy.
- Nutrition tip: Add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare the dressing and chop the kale ahead of time. Store separately and combine just before serving to keep kale crisp.
Storing & Reheating Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the dressing and chop the kale ahead of time. Store separately and combine just before serving.
Freezing Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not necessary, as this is a cold salad. Microwave: Not necessary, as this is a cold salad.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Massaging the kale with your hands before dressing helps to soften it and reduce bitterness.
- Best substitution: Substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard for a milder flavor.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing and chop the kale ahead of time. Store separately and combine just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for meal prep or a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your dressing is too thick, add a little water or lemon juice to thin it out.
Want to level up this recipe?
Salad spinner — Ensures crisp kale every time → Check price on Amazon
Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bunch kale
- 2 apples
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Maple syrup (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Dried cranberries
Instructions
- Prepare kale: Remove stems from kale and chop leaves into bite-sized pieces. Wash and dry thoroughly.
- Make dressing: In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add maple syrup for extra sweetness if desired.
- Assemble salad: Chop apples into thin slices or small cubes. Toss kale and apples with dressing. Add optional toppings and serve immediately.
Notes
- Chef tip: Massaging the kale with your hands before dressing helps to soften it and reduce bitterness.
- Best substitution: Substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard for a milder flavor.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing and chop the kale ahead of time. Store separately and combine just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for meal prep or a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your dressing is too thick, add a little water or lemon juice to thin it out.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Not necessary, as this is a cold salad.
- Microwave reheat: Not necessary, as this is a cold salad.
- Make ahead: Prepare the dressing and chop the kale ahead of time. Store separately and combine just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sat. Fat: 1.5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing FAQs
Yes, prepare the dressing and chop the kale ahead of time. Store separately and combine just before serving to keep kale crisp.
Too much dressing can make the kale soggy. Start with half the dressing and add more to taste.
No, freezing is not recommended as it will cause the kale to become mushy.
No, this is a cold salad and does not require cooking.
You can substitute tahini with almond butter or peanut butter for a similar nutty flavor.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
